A Systems Analysis of Fire Suppression Alternatives for the U.S. Space Station

NASA's 'front line' defense against fire abroad manned spacecraft has been strict control of materials, construction, and operation. This will continue with the space station, but the inclusion of laboratory facilities and crew comfort features combined with the increasing 'routine-ization' of space operations will increase the risk of fire. A safe, effective fire suppression system must be included. Every previous manned U.S. spacecraft has had some type of fire supression capability, but these may not be the best for the station. For example, the space shuttle orbiters carry both fixed and portable Halon 1301 systems. Because of the toxicity of compounds produced when Halon 1301 reacts at high temperature with combustion products, NASA policy is to terminate the shuttle mission if a fixed system is discharged, even if the fire is extinguished.